US

Heavy Snow Expected To Hit Major Region Of Country

No featured image available

A winter storm is forming in the Plains and Midwest as of Friday, and it is expected to travel east across Mississippi and the Tennessee River Valley, delivering snow, icy rain and frigid temperatures to the East Coast on Saturday, multiple sources reported.

Huge amounts of snow are expected to fall in the Appalachians, while a mix of icy rain and snow is expected to fall in North and South Carolina, according to Fox News. Snow is also expected in major Northeast cities and New England.

“We’re talking about an icy mix for the Charlotte area,” First Warn forecaster Larry Sprinkle said, WCNC Charlotte reported. “It’s definitely going to happen.”

The National Weather Center issued a winter storm warning in parts of the South, Appalachians and interior Northeast, according to the Weather Channel.

Southwest Airlines issued a travel advisory for Friday and Saturday for parts of the Midwest, saying it would waive fees for changed flights in airports in Des Moines, Iowa, Kansas City, Missouri, Minneapolis, Omaha, Nebraska, and St. Louis.

As the storm approaches, local officials are urging residents to stock up on essential supplies, including sidewalk salt, to help reduce the risks of slips and falls on icy walkways. Hardware stores across the region are reporting a surge in sales of snow shovels, de-icing products, and emergency gear, as communities brace for the possibility of dangerous travel conditions.

Transportation departments are already preparing fleets of plows and salt trucks to keep major highways open. Still, authorities warn that even treated roads can quickly ice over if the precipitation turns into freezing rain. Motorists are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for delays if they must drive.

Power outages are also a major concern. Heavy snow and ice accumulation on trees and power lines could leave thousands without electricity, particularly in rural areas. Utility companies are mobilizing crews to respond quickly to outages, but they caution that widespread damage could take days to repair.

Emergency management agencies are reminding residents to check on elderly neighbors, bring pets indoors, and ensure homes are adequately heated. With frigid temperatures expected to follow the storm, proper preparation could make the difference between safety and crisis.